What's a regional university?
The recent exchange in the Amarillo newspaper about the appropriate mission of WTAMU raised an issue of WT's role as a "regional university." During the recent visits by the persons seeking to be the next WT president, one or two of the candidate mentioned that WT should be a strong regional university. Back in the early 1960s, during the period when West Texas State College was lobbying to become West Texas State University, President James Cornette argued that WT should become a "regional university."
I should continue with a brief story. Several years ago I applied for a position at Northern Iowa University. My dissertation advisor indicated that he believed NIU to be a "good regional university."
I've searched most of the higher education literature with little success. The only solid reference to "regional university" was the president of Johns Hopkins University arguing in the late 1800s that Johns Hopkins would not become a regional university.
What's a regional university? Please post any thoughts by clicking on comments.
References:
Allen Finegold arguing that WT should not become a university that only serves this region.
Russell Long arguing that WT should serve this region.
Myrna Raffkind arguing that WT benefits the region and donors from the region benefit WT
I should continue with a brief story. Several years ago I applied for a position at Northern Iowa University. My dissertation advisor indicated that he believed NIU to be a "good regional university."
I've searched most of the higher education literature with little success. The only solid reference to "regional university" was the president of Johns Hopkins University arguing in the late 1800s that Johns Hopkins would not become a regional university.
What's a regional university? Please post any thoughts by clicking on comments.
References:
Allen Finegold arguing that WT should not become a university that only serves this region.
Russell Long arguing that WT should serve this region.
Myrna Raffkind arguing that WT benefits the region and donors from the region benefit WT
posted by DrDave | 11:35 AM
4 Comments:
I think that you should make this a myspace account or a xanga account and sign up for the WT blog rings out there. It would get more publicity.
Steven
I read the editorial pieces by both Allen Finegold and Russell Long. As an alumnus of West Texas State University, I am quite interested in the distinction that Dr. Long has made between a real university such as UT Austin or A&M and a regional university like WTAMU.
Being also unfamiliar with the term, regional university, sensu Long, I did the usual google search. This led to what could arguably be the final word in university classification, the U.S. News and World Report's rating of American colleges. That system breaks down universities as National, Master's, Liberal Arts, Comprehensive Colleges, and Business and Engineering programs. The Master's division is further divided into regions;West, East, North, South. The U.S.News ranking puts WTAMU under the Master's University category in the West region, third tier. There is, in fact, a forth tier. The third tier, West region, Master's universities in Texas include Sam Houston State, UT-Dallas and UT-Tyler. There are a number of fourth tier universities including; Sul Ross State, Tarleton State, Angelo State, and Texas A&M-Commerce. Texas State University-San Marcos was ranked 57 in the top tier. This, it seems to me, is a pretty fair role model for a "regional university". Of course, the region represented in the ranking scheme is the Western states. For American colleges, there does not appear to be a broadly accepted distinction for "regional" universities other than that.
Still, Dr. Long's editorial seems well reasoned and reasonable and somehow troubling. While it appears reasonable to say that WTAMU is a regional university, it is after all West Texas A&M, it seems that Dr. Long is referring to a much more limited area than does the U.S. News and World Report. The troubling bit in all of this is that I very much hope the regional designation does not represent a device for achieving success through lowered expectations. WTAMU is currently third tier and should work at becoming top tier like Texas State instead of another fourth tier university.
I feel that Mr. Finegold's comments are well taken if not always well deserved. Agriculture is important and the Texas Panhandle has much to offer to scientists working in agricultural research. A doctoral program in agriculture does make sense for WTAMU. But, I suspect his other comments are painfully close to the mark. WTAMU must work hard to overcome the effects of isolation and marginalization. For example, the administration should make funds available to encourage travel, particularly sabbatical studies, and encourage all departments to spend the money to bring in top flight speakers with national and international credentials. The culture of the university is defined by those in leadership positions. Those responsible for the direction of WTAMU will do well to focus on regional strengths. But, they must never allow the university community to think that excellence in all areas is not part of their expectations.
Joel Harp,
Thanks for the comments.
Dave Rausch
WTAMU is a nice and great college. I wish this should become a regional university. Its a great place for students and professionals
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